Gary Reott, Equipment Operator for PennDOT, checks the chains for the tires on a plow truck during Winter Equipment Maintenance day at the Butler Township office.

Breaking down in sub-zero temperatures during a storm that continues to cover the roads in white is a ever-present waking nightmare for some snowplow drivers.

“The last thing we need is something breaking down in the middle of a storm,” Carl Hays said. “What we're trying to do today is to avoid those things from happening.”

Hays works as the equipment manager for the PennDOT Butler County Maintenance Office on New Castle Road in Butler. He and the county's operators were joined by equipment managers from other regional counties Thursday, as part of PennDOT's annual winter equipment inspection. The group of managers rotates to each county to assist one another with the work.

The group worked with local equipment operators to inspect each of the county's winter vehicles, including 42 plow trucks.

Mike Mattis, Butler County Maintenance manager, said his staff worked to prepare all the equipment they will need this winter. They installed tire chains and plows in addition to performing inspections.

A full story appears in Friday's Butler Eagle.